At the April 10 Wahkon City Council meeting, Tim Miller, representing OmniSite, explained the high-tech waste-water monitoring device to be installed in five of the city’s pump stations. In a move to upgrade the measuring capability of their city sewers, the Wahkon City Council on April 9 voted to invest in a state-of-the-art sewer monitoring system.The council agreed to purchase a monitoring unit for five of the city’s six lift stations hoping to better the city’s ability to not only measure waste water flowage but also detect complications that may arise in the system.

The monitoring system would cost the city $15,000 for initial installation and $100 per month for cell phone hookup. Funding for the system is available from sewer operation money already allocated by the council.

Also purchasing a new monitoring system for their one lift station was Mille Lacs Island Resort. According to Wahkon city clerk Karrie Roeschlein, even though the resort is not incorporated in the city of Wahkon, MLIR accounts for 36 percent of the city’s waste water flow, generating $59,000 a year to the city’s coffers.

Speaking on behalf of the council’s decision to purchase the new monitoring devices, MLIR manager Jodi Kanera said, “I think this system would be best for the city and us.” In the past, there was some controversy with regard to the accuracy of the measurement of flowage from MLIR into the Wahkon system. With the installation of the new monitoring system, any controversy should be eliminated.

Also on Monday’s agenda, the council entertained a public hearing on the proposed Frederickson Marina development project.

Chip Frederickson, owner of Frederickson Marina, is requesting permission to construct three triplexes and one quad for a maximum of 13 condominiums to be used as year-round residences located at 405 Bennett Street in Wahkon. The triplexes are scheduled to be built one-at-a-time over a period of several years beginning in October 2007.

On hand at the hearing were men representing the architectural firm designing the units and the engineering firm responsible for infrastructure surrounding the project.

Discussed were issues concerning use of city roadways during construction and aesthetics involved in the overall look of the development. The developers assured those in attendance that the project will be in full compliance with both the aesthetic nature of the surrounding area and the laws guiding water, sewer, setbacks and use of city streets.

The council voted to give the go-ahead on the project with two stipulations: the council would revisit the condition of the city roads following each construction period, and the construction company would ensure the council they would keep city streets clean during construction.